Ride bright

The majority of crashes between motorists and bike riders occur because the motorist didn’t look for the bike rider. One of the easiest ways to be seen is to wear light and bright visible clothing. Bright light, fluoro or hi-vis clothing with reflective straps and lights makes you much easier to spot and avoid.

Helmet Safety

Price and brand is not necessarily an indication of safety or performance, so don't blow your whole budget on just a helmet. Instead look for a helmet that fits well, is comfortable to wear and complies with Australian Safety Standards.

Think about who you're sharing the road with

Take a punt on the track, not on the road

In support of safe celebrations, MAC is sponsoring free public transport for South Australian Jockey Club members and pre-purchased ticket holders, on all Adelaide Metro bus, train and tram services, upon presentation of an event ticket.

MAC General Manager, Road Safety and Strategic Communications, Michael Cornish said if you’re heading to the races and plan to enjoy a drink, make sure you also have plans for getting home safely.

“If you’re not going to take advantage of the MAC and Adelaide Metro free public transport, make sure you have a designated driver, catch a taxi, or plan for somebody to pick you up,” he said.

“For those driving in the vicinity on Cup Day, slow down and adhere to reduced event speed limits and watch out for pedestrians who might be impaired by alcohol and not looking out for you.”

In addition to normal bus and train services, trams from both Glenelg and the Entertainment Centre will increase to a 10-minute frequency throughout the day and stop at the Morphettville Racecourse, providing direct access to the Bart Cummings entrance.

For more information about public transport to Morphettville Racecourse call the Adelaide Metro Infoline on 1300 311 108 or visit www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Further information:Trams will run at 10-minute intervals:

From Glenelg between 9am and 7pm

From the Entertainment Centre between 10am and 8pm

Before and after these time trams will operate at 15-20 minute intervals.

Come back a winner this long weekend

MAC’s General Manager, Road Safety and Strategic Communications, Michael Cornish said the last five years have seen 6 fatalities and 44 serious injuries on South Australian roads over the Adelaide Cup long weekend.

“The statistics show the trauma hasn’t discriminated – drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists; males, females; country and city residents have all been affected,” he said.

“This long weekend, please do the right thing; stick to speed limits, don’t drink and drive, and look out for others on the road,” Mr Cornish said.

If you’re using this weekend as an opportunity to take a road trip, it is not a good idea to set out on your long weekend journey immediately after work.

“Fatigue is a major cause of crashes leading to death and serious injury. Even a momentary loss of concentration can be catastrophic on high speed country roads,” he said.

“Make sure you’re well rested, and plan ahead to ensure you can take a break from driving for at least 15 minutes every two hours – if you drive tired, you’re not only putting yourself at risk, you’re putting others at risk too.”

“This long weekend, a lot of holiday makers’ vehicles will be carrying extra items or towing a trailer or a boat. If you are towing or driving a loaded vehicle, understand it will behave differently with extra weight on board, and that you are likely to be travelling on higher speed roads and will take longer to stop.

“It’s a good idea to put any loose objects in the boot of the car or behind a cargo barrier. Items like laptops, sporting equipment, toys and gaming devices, can become an unsecure missile that hits a passenger and causes injury in a crash.”

It's time to stop drug driving

Driving Low - Fatigue

Driving Low - Fatigue

Complacency is still a killer

MAC Acting General Manager, Road Safety, Matthew Hanton had a simple message for all road users; too many people are dying on South Australian roads in crashes that could have been avoided.

“The saddest part is complacency and poor driver behaviour has led to many of this month’s and this year’s fatalities,” he said.

“In the last month alone excessive speed, failure to wear a seatbelt, disobeying simple road rules and inattention have contributed to deaths on our roads.

“Road safety is about each of us taking responsibility for our behaviour – not sometimes, or most of the time, but every single time we get behind the wheel.

“Remember to keep your eyes on the road, always wear a seatbelt, stick to the speed limit and remember, don’t drink or drug drive.

“We’re heading into the festive season so it’s a timely and very poignant wake up call to drivers to either ‘remember’ or ‘be remembered’.

“We all know the fatal five cause crashes on our roads, however some drivers’ complacency sees them continue to flout the law and seriously injure themselves and others, or die as a result of poor decisions.”

MAC’s latest road safety message will air on metropolitan and regional television and radio and across digital mediums.

Staying safe on the road this long weekend

It has been six years since South Australia has had a fatality free October long weekend so with the long-awaited holiday weekend upon us the Motor Accident Commission is appealing to everyone to drive safely.

MAC General Manager of Road Safety, Michael Cornish, says there are some key things to keep in mind when driving over the next few days to ensure everyone enjoys the weekend but also arrive at their destinations safely.

"Fatigue is a serious road safety issue so drivers need to make sure they rest for at least 15 minutes every two hours," Michael says.

"Country driving also presents challenges including overtaking, giving heavy vehicles plenty of room and being aware of different speed zones and road conditions."

There was one fatality and 10 serious injuries on South Australian roads over the long weekend last year. Since 2010, the October long weekend road toll has been either one or two fatalities.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe while travelling this long weekend is choosing to wear a seatbelt.

"Wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death – for drivers and passengers," Michael Cornish says.

"Between 2010 and 2014, up to 26 per cent of people who died and 11 per cent of people who were seriously injured were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash."

And with some welcome warm weather over the weekend, planning to not drink and drive should also be a priority for all road users.

"Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, contributing to approximately 22 per cent of all fatal crashes in 2014", Michael Cornish says.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility and achieving a fatality free long weekend requires everyone to work together. If we all play our part we can reduce the road toll and get home safety."

Get your seatbelt together!

Seatbelts have been around since the 1970’s so it is incomprehensible that people are still dying in road crashes because they failed to wear one.

The Motor Accident Commission’s new strong and simple seatbelt message will soon be appearing across its network of 51 regional billboards.

MAC General Manger of Road Safety Michael Cornish says seatbelts are one of the primary safety features included in vehicles and if worn correctly, substantially reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.

"Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways of protecting yourself as the driver or passenger, yet in 2014 about 25 per cent of all vehicle occupants killed in road crashes were not wearing one," Mr Cornish says.

MAC research shows that people don’t wear their seatbelt for a multitude of reasons including complacency, discomfort and a perceived unlikelihood of having a crash.

"Wearing a seatbelt doubles your chances of surviving a serious crash, yet despite the benefits shown by road safety research, time and time again too many people do not take the time to ‘buckle up’."

Regional road users are especially vulnerable when it comes to the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt with serious injury as well as fatality figures a major concern.

"For the period 2010 – 2014, 40 per cent of people who died and 8 per cent of people who were seriously injured in rural areas were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash," Michael Cornish says.

This compares with 26 per cent for fatal and 7 per cent of serious injury crashes in metropolitan areas over the same period.

Seatbelts protect everyone in the car. In a crash without a seatbelt, the human body is subject to much greater force, resulting in far more serious injuries or death.

Anyone unrestrained can become a human missile even at relatively low speeds.

Mobile phone distraction – "it’s not a good look”

Road Safety Minister Tony Piccolo said the reality was that distraction and inattention result in fatalities and serious injuries.

“Mobile phones are a serious and growing threat to road safety with driver inattention reported as the primary cause in almost 38 per cent of fatal crashes and 52 per cent of serious injury crashes last year,” Mr Piccolo said.

“Some drivers may think they have the skill to check their phones and drive safely, but research shows that mobile phone use while driving impairs reaction time and hazard perception.

“Drivers must give their full attention at all times and using a mobile when driving has been shown to increase the risk of being involved in a crash by at least four times.

“Taking your eyes off the road to use a mobile phone is unacceptably dangerous behaviour and could cost you your life.”

The new campaign, starting today, includes television and radio advertisements, a YouTube video and bus shelter posters.

MAC General Manager of Road Safety Michael Cornish says MAC’s research shows people increasingly believe that using phones while driving is anti-social behaviour but that they are unlikely to alter their behaviour unless caught.

“Drivers are not permitted to touch, hold or rest a phone on their body while driving and being caught doing so will cost you $375 and three demerit points,” Mr Cornish said.

“The fact is if you think you can get away with using your mobile while driving, think again. Everyone can see what you’re doing, including the police - it’s not a good look.

“All road users need to take personal responsibility for their driving. If you cannot avoid the temptation of checking your phone, plan ahead by switching it off and placing it in the boot of your car or glove box.

“If a person wishes to make or receive a call, and needs to touch any part of the phone to do so, that phone must be mounted in a commercially manufactured holder designed for that purpose.

“Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use any mobile phone function while driving, including Bluetooth.”

Mobile Distraction – It’s not a good look!

The Motor Accident Commission has launched a mobile distraction campaign to highlight how inappropriate and dangerous looking at your mobile phone can be while driving.

MAC General Manager of Road Safety Michael Cornish says research shows people increasingly believe that using phones while driving is anti-social behaviour but that they are unlikely to alter their behaviour unless caught.

“Mobile phones are a serious and growing threat to road safety with driver inattention reported as the primary cause in almost 38 per cent of fatal crashes and 52 per cent of serious injury crashes last year,” Michael Cornish says.

“Some drivers may think they have the skill to check their phones and drive safely, but research shows that mobile phone use while driving impairs reaction time and hazard perception.

“Drivers must give their full attention at all times and using a mobile when driving has been shown to increase the risk of being involved in a crash by at least four times.

“Taking your eyes off the road to use a mobile phone is unacceptably dangerous behaviour and could cost you your life.”

Mobile phones have been targeted because they are a growing area of concern for the community.

MAC's new Mobile distraction campaign

The National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 recognises distraction as “a major and potentially growing problem area” and the SA Road Safety Action Plan documents the enforcement of mobiles and other distractions as a complementary measure to its key priorities.

While talking and texting have been targeted for a number of years, the increasing proliferation of smart phones has elevated the issue.

With all the functionality of desktop PC’s, mobile devices now offer the driver a multitude of distracting features.

MAC’s new campaign includes television and radio advertisements, a YouTube video and bus shelter posters.

The message is clear - looking at your mobile phone is anti-social and dangerous behaviour and not a good look.

“When driving at 60kmph, if you take your eyes off the road to look at a text for just three seconds you will travel 50m blind. Imagine if a child stepped onto the road in that time,” Michael Cornish says.

“For regional driving if you are travelling at 110kmph and you take your eyes off the road for three seconds you will travel almost 92 metres without watching the road.

“That is a long way to have travelled without watching where you are going.”

Drivers are not permitted to touch, hold or rest a phone on their body while driving and being caught doing so will cost you $375 and three demerit points.

“The fact is if you think you can get away with using your mobile while driving, think again. Everyone can see what you’re doing, including the police - it’s not a good look,” Michael Cornish says.

“All road users need to take personal responsibility for their driving. If you cannot avoid the temptation of checking your phone, plan ahead by switching it off and placing it in the boot of your car or glove box.

“If a person wishes to make or receive a call, and needs to touch any part of the phone to do so, that phone must be mounted in a commercially manufactured holder designed for that purpose.

“Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use any mobile phone function while driving, including Bluetooth.”

Vulnerable Road User Safety Reminder

“So far this year 15 vulnerable road users have died which equates to 28% of all deaths on our roads,” Michael says.

“While this is less than last year a number of recent incidents where vulnerable road users have lost their lives has prompted us to highlight the importance of everyone being alert to the behaviour of other road users and acting safely.”

Many pedestrians are injured on our roads every year so drivers need to be alert to their presence because without the protection offered to car occupants, injuries to pedestrians can be devastating.

“Hitting a pedestrian is a common type of road incident and they are frequently very serious with 45% of fatal crashes in metropolitan Adelaide last year being due to hitting a pedestrian,” Michael says.

Motorcycling is known to be a higher risk form of transport, where one small moment of thrill-seeking or loss of concentration can cause injuries that may result in death or a lifetime of pain and disability.

“If you are a motorcycle rider you are more exposed and vulnerable in the road environment with research indicating that, per hour of travel, you are nearly 18 times more likely to be killed in a crash than vehicle occupants,” Michael says.

“All road users can help make the road environment safer by looking-out for vulnerable road users on open roads, at crossings and intersections.

“And pedestrians and other vulnerable road users can also increase their safety in the road environment by making themselves more visible, establishing eye contact with other road users and using road crossings wherever possible.

“There are many ways to reduce your risk of being a casualty, whatever your mode of transport, but accepting responsibility for your own safety on the road is vital.”

Footy’s Road Safety Round this weekend

An initiative of the Motor Accident Commission in partnership with the SACFL, the round aims to promote road safety within regional South Australia.

MAC General Manager Road Safety Michael Cornish says the round will see footy clubs throughout regional South Australia embrace the road safety message, with players wearing black armbands in memory of those killed and injured in road crashes.

“Our partnership with community footy is an extremely important means to share road safety messages,” Mr Cornish says.

“By working with the SACFL, we help to generate road safety discussions with footy players, their families, club supporters and the community.

“Last year 68% of all fatal crashes in South Australia occurred in rural areas.

“Of the 49 road fatalities so far this year, 29 or 59% have taken place in regional areas.

“We need to encourage road safety conversations in regional South Australia and the MAC Road Safety Round presents the perfect opportunity to do this.”

A feature of the round will be a new medal awarded in each SACFL A-grade match recognising the player judged to be the ‘Game Changer’.

“These initiatives are part of the MAC Game Changer program, where footy clubs help MAC remind regional communities that there’s more to lose than a game of footy,” Mr Cornish says.

Back to School message everyone’s responsibility

The Motor Accident Commission is highlighting how important it is for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care on our roads as students and teachers around the State return to school next week.

Obeying the 25km/hr speed limit around schools is essential and MAC General Manager of Road Safety, Michael Cornish, would like to remind all road users that road safety around schools is everyone’s responsibility, not just that of parents who are taking their children to school.

“Motorists need to look out for children on the roads, some of whom may be walking or cycling to school for the first time,” Michael Cornish says.

“And parents can also help to prepare their children for the journey to school by talking through the importance of being safe on the roads.”

Parents should discuss with their children how to cross the road safely without being distracted by friends and mobile phones.

And drivers need to remember that inattention is reported as the primary cause in almost 30 per cent of fatal crashes, and 45 per cent of serious injury crashes each year.

“It is essential for drivers to reduce any distractions inside their car so they can concentrate on the road and their surroundings,” Michael Cornish says.

“Switch mobile phones to ‘silent’ to avoid the temptation of being distracted while driving and please follow these important guidelines when dropping children at school.”

Let children out of the vehicle on the kerbside;

Never call out from the opposite side of the road, as young children have poor peripheral vision and may not see approaching vehicles when they cross;

If waiting for a child who is travelling by bus, wait on the same side of the road as the bus stop;

Take extra time to look for children at intersections, on median strips and on kerbs;

Avoid parking too close to a marked school crossing;

Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully particularly when reversing;

Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.

New Bromance road safety billboards

The billboards share messages about three key road safety issues in regional South Australia - speeding, drink driving and seatbelts.

MAC General Manager Road Safety Michael Cornish said 20 billboards would appear in regions including the South East, Yorke Peninsula, Mid North and Murraylands.

“This campaign is immensely important for South Australian road safety,” Mr Cornish said.

“Historically, most road crash fatalities occur in regional areas of the state, and most of those involve men.

“Last year 68 per cent of fatalities in SA occurred in rural areas - 73 of 108 deaths. In addition, 61 per cent of serious injury crashes last year occurred in rural areas.

“The Bromance campaign has been very well received since its launch in February.

“We’ve had feedback that the humorous script is grabbing attention and that people are adopting the phrases. The intention of the campaign was indeed to encourage regional residents to share road safety messages and the campaign catchphrases have provided people with the ability to do that.”

Along with the new billboards, MAC will distribute Bromance campaign coasters and posters throughout South Australian venues.

Winter danger reminders

General Manager Road Safety Michael Cornish said it was vital that all road users adapt their behaviour to shorter daylight hours and weather conditions which could make roads more dangerous.

“Winter is a period when there is potential for an increase in road crashes, so we need to use more caution,” Mr Cornish said.

“It can take longer to stop a vehicle on slippery winter roads, so it’s important to keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front in case you need to stop suddenly. It may also be difficult to see other road users, including vulnerable pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and gopher riders.”

MAC Winter Road Safety Reminders:

Drive to the conditions and lower your speed when visibility is poor or roads are slippery

Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front – you may need to count more than 3 seconds in wintry conditions

Turn on headlights when there is poor visibility, such as in wet or foggy conditions

Drivers should carefully scan for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and gopher riders especially at crossings and intersections

Check tyres treads, and vehicle lights and indicators to make sure all are working properly

Put a First Aid Kit in your car

Driving is a risky and complex task and something that many South Australians do every day. We take all sorts of measures to stay safe on the road, and one of those can be carrying a first aid kit in your car.

A first aid kit can help you to provide some immediate treatment or care following a road crash until emergency services arrive.

There are many different types of first aid kits on the market, including kits made specifically for storage in vehicles. Whichever kit you choose, make sure it’s readily accessible and adequately stocked.

The Motor Accident Commission (MAC) encourages all motorists to drive carefully and follow the road rules - and you can go the extra mile with your safety, by storing a first aid kit in your car.

Safety ratings vital

ANCAP provides independent vehicle safety information through the publication of ANCAP safety ratings. ANCAP safety ratings take into account the level of occupant and pedestrian protection provided by new cars through the conduct of physical crash tests and the assessment of collision avoidance technologies.

In each of the physical tests, dummies are used to scientifically measure the various forces on occupants in the crash.

The data gathered is then assessed in conjunction with a physical assessment of the vehicle, and a score determined for each test.

In addition, vehicles must be fitted with certain safety features and safety assist technologies. These requirements are then assessed alongside the physical crash test scores with an overall score translated into an ANCAP safety rating of between 1 to 5 stars.

The more stars, the better the vehicle performed in ANCAP tests. To achieve the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating, a vehicle must achieve the highest standards in all tests and feature advanced safety assist technologies.

More information

To search individual crash test results for more than 515 vehicles, learn more about safety features and technologies, and explore interactive features, visit ancap.com.au

Let’s achieve zero and drive to survive

“Whether you are celebrating Easter or not, this long weekend is a time for celebration, family and relaxation,” Mr Piccolo said.

“It is important to avoid distractions when driving, remain alert, patient and considerate of other road users who are also trying to get to their holiday destination safely. Never think it is okay to speed.”

“Last year was the first time in five years South Australia had zero fatalities over the Easter period but there were still nine serious injuries. We do not want to see any fatalities or serious injuries on our roads this long weekend.”

With increased traffic on the roads and people making longer journeys than usual, another important issue was breakdown safety.

Mr Piccolo said road users should ensure their luggage was safely secured and be aware of vehicles that had broken down.

“If you see a vehicle on the side of the road, be cautious, ensure there is an adequate gap and slow down if necessary,’ he said.

“If your vehicle breaks down, turn on your hazard lights, park the car as far left as possible and protect yourself and your passengers by waiting for help in a safe area away from traffic.”

According to the Motor Accident Commission there are some practical steps motorists can take to manage fatigue during Easter roadtrips. MAC General Manager Road Safety Michael Cornish urged motorists to plan their trips to include time for a 15 minute break every two hours.

“Consider sharing the driving task with others in your vehicle. If possible, don’t set out on your holiday road trip immediately after work, which can increase the chances of fatigue,” Mr Cornish said.

“Driving tired can be as dangerous as drink driving. They both have an affect on motorists’ ability to react and even a momentary loss of concentration can be catastrophic on high speed regional roads.”

Assistant Commissioner Linda Williams said forget the chocolates - the greatest gift will be achieving a back-to-back fatality free Easter.

“I am imploring drivers to think about how their behaviour can help reduce the needless pain and suffering caused by serious crashes,” Ms Williams said.

“One grieving family is one too many, especially during the holiday period.

“Every road user, whether they’re traveling by car, heavy vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or on foot, deserves to get to their destination safely this Easter.”